Finley Lodge on the Rogue River

07/25/2026

Anglers can choose from a variety of techniques when fishing for steelhead, but regardless of the type of gear used, there are three keys to catching a steelhead:

Spend time on the water. Get to know a river and hone your technique, and you will land more fish than if you chase after every “hot lead.”
Cover water efficiently. Keep your lure or bait near the bottom and methodically fish every part of a run or pool
Maintain a positive attitude. Have confidence in the water you’re fishing and the lure/bait you’re using.
Bobber and jig/bait - This is a good technique for both bank and beginning steelhead anglers. A weighted jig or bait is tied below a floating bobber and drifted in the current. When the bobber dives, stops or wobbles, set the hook!

Drift fishing – The bait or lure is bounced along the bottom with the help of a significant weight. The key is to keep the bait near the bottom of the water and drifting along at the same speed as the current. Getting a natural presentation and detecting the subtle takes of steelhead make this a difficult technique to master. But its effectiveness makes it one of the most widely-used steelhead fishing techniques.

Plunking – A heavy weight holds bait or a spinner-type bobber stationary in the current near the bottom of a river. This is a great technique when water levels are very high and steelhead are holding or traveling in soft waters near the bank. Good for beginners or anglers with limited mobility.

Spinners – Many anglers are familiar with the cast and retrieve method, but those that master the cast and swing presentation often have better luck with steelhead. This involves casting the spinner slightly upstream and letting if drift naturally in the current and then “swing” toward the bank.

Pulling plugs (aka hot-shotting, backtrolling) – A plug is a plastic lure designed to dive and wiggle in the current. While they are often pulled behind a boat where they can move and wiggle in the water as the boat drifts downstream, plugs also can be cast from the bank and slowly swung in the current.

Fly-fishing – A challenging but rewarding technique for targeting steelhead. Anglers use single or double-handed rods to swing flies through the current, or a nymph/indicator rig to drift a nymph near the bottom.

07/11/2026

Spring Chinook are moving through the Middle Rogue, and a few anglers are reporting success. Try plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. Early morning or evening when sunlight is not directly on the water will be the best time to intercept migrating springers.

06/17/2026

The middle Rogue is relatively low and clear for this time of year. A few winter steelhead might still be caught, but that fishery is pretty much over. Spring Chinook are moving through the Middle Rogue, and a few anglers are reporting success. Try using plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. The best time to intercept migrating springers will be early morning or evening when sunlight is not directly on the water. Please use proper catch-and-release techniques on fish that will not be harvested, such as keeping fish in water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. Current flow, temperature, and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges or by checking the City of Grants Pass water page.

05/26/2026

Catch-and-release: Tips to reduce fish mortality
HOW TO FISH
In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly.
close up photo of a rainbow trout ready to be released
Whether it's a personal choice or a regulatory requirement, catch-and-release of wild fish is one way Oregon anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations, particularly where their populations are threatened, and to learn how to do it properly.

Check the regulations before you fish. Consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for any harvest restrictions.

Land the fish quickly. A fish on the end of the line is under stress, so don't play the fish to utter exhaustion. Severe exhaustion reduces the fish’s odds of surviving.

Support the fish when bringing it in. Support the fish underwater in a natural position, handling it as little as possible. Give it time to recover and keep it in the water, it needs all the oxygen it can get from the water passing over its gills.

image of an angler holding a winter steelhead in the water
Use barbless hooks. Bring the fish quickly within reach. Leave the fish in the water and, without squeezing it, remove the hook carefully with long-nosed pliers or thumb and forefinger. If necessary, cut the leader near the hook, which will dissolve over time.

Revive the fish before releasing. Point the fish into the current or in standing water, gently move the fish forward until its gills are moving and it maintains its balance on its own. Let the fish swim freely from your hands.

Use appropriate gear. Use tackle, including line and rod, that are strong enough to bring your fish in quickly and gently.

Getting a photograph
Taking a photograph with your fish can be a lovely way to capture the moment. But try to minimize handling and keep the fish in the water as much as possible with these tips:

Have help. If someone is helping you with the photo, make sure they’ve composed the shot and adjusted the camera settings before you remove the fish from the water.
Get your hands wet before handling the fish. This will help protect the delicate membrane on fish’s skin.
Support the fish properly. Put one hand under the forward part of its body and the other at the base of its tail. Keep the fish in the water.
When you’re ready, cradle the fish at or just above water level and snap a quick picture.
Return the fish to the water quickly. Then revive it gently before letting it swim away.

In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly.

03/29/2026

The middle Rogue is in good shape, and several reports of good winter steelhead catch rates have come in recently. Try fishing plugs or lures near the heads and tails of pools in travel lanes. Bobber and jig fishing with darker colors can be extremely productive in these water conditions. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

02/22/2026

Rogue River (Oregon) Fishing Report – February 21, 2026
(Primarily winter steelhead season; conditions based on ODFW weekly rec report Feb 19, detailed Southwest Zone updates to ~Feb 10, guide reports from Feb 12–15, real-time gauges, and recent angler activity.)
Overall Outlook
Winter steelhead fishing is fair to good and improving in the lower and middle river. Recent rains have helped push fresh fish in from the ocean, with more expected as storms continue. The river is in decent shape for late February — not peak season yet (that’s March–mid April), but solid action is reported, especially with moderate flows. Lower river drift fishing remains a highlight; middle river (Grants Pass area) is picking up as more winter-run fish arrive (still a mix with summer holdovers). Upper river is just starting to see fish movement. No major blowouts or extreme mud reported on Feb 21.
Water Conditions (as of Feb 21)
• Middle Rogue at Grants Pass: ~1,970–2,080 CFS (steady/moderate, very fishable), gage height ~1.9 ft, water temp ~44–46°F (cold), turbidity ~4 NTU (relatively clear).
• Lower and upper sections similar trends: off-color to clearing after earlier rains, but dropping and workable.
• Weather: Mild (highs ~51°F, lows ~41°F) with chance of showers; wet/muddy banks possible.
M

Middle Rouge (Grants Pass / Holy Water area): Fishing fairly well. More winter steelhead showing daily. Target heads/tails of pools and travel lanes with plugs, larger lures, or spoons. Fly anglers: deep nymph rigs or slow streamers. Grants Pass area typically improves mid-February onward.

• Upper Rogue (above Lost Creek Reservoir / TouVelle area): Early stages but picking up. Reports of nice fish (e.g., a fat 31” steelhead caught mid-February on upper river). Larger lures/plugs in travel lanes; some trout action too. Snow may limit access higher up.
Techniques & Tips
• Conventional: Drift fishing (lower), plunking, plugs, spoons, or larger lures near structure.
• Fly: Fish deep and slow (cold water slows metabolism). Long-leader nymphing (midges, small baetis, tungsten beads), Euro nymphing, or slow-strip streamers (dark/sculpin patterns). Barbless hooks recommended.
• Best times: Early morning/late afternoon; around water changes from storms.
• Practice catch-and-release: Keep fish in water, quick release, especially wild fish.
Regulations (Important!)
• Rogue-South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation required Dec 1–Apr 30 to target steelhead in the Rogue Basin/South Coast.
• Wild steelhead harvest tag needed if keeping non-clipped (wild) fish where allowed.
• Check ODFW regs for bag limits, closed areas, etc. Full details: myodfw.com.
Sources & Notes
Latest detailed reports come from ODFW (Feb 19 weekly + Southwest Zone), Fly Fish Food (Feb 15 update), Rogue Valley Anglers (Feb 12), and gauge data. Recent angler posts confirm steelhead catches into mid/late February; guided trips active with openings noted for late Feb dates. No ultra-specific public catch tallies exactly for Feb 21 (typical for a weekend), but conditions point to productive fishing if you hit the right water.
For real-time updates, check:
• ODFW Recreation Report: myodfw.com/recreation-report
• USGS gauges or Grants Pass water data
• Local guides/outfitters for day-of reports
Tight lines! If you’re heading out, watch flows closely and have fun. Conditions can change fast with rain.

February 19, 2026

02/10/2026

LEARN TO FISH
Free Fishing Days & Events
Date
Various
Time
Times vary - morning to afternoon.
Location
These events are throughout the state.
Fee
Free: loaner gear, tackle and bait provided.
Organizer
See list of events for details and contact information.
Free Fish Feb 26
Take advantage of this year's free fishing days:

February 14 - 15 (Saturday & Sunday), President's Day Weekend
June 6 - 7 (Saturday & Sunday)
November 27-28 (Friday & Saturday), Thanksgiving Weekend
On Free Fishing Days only, you do not need:

License to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon.
Combined angling tag
Columbia Basin endorsement
Ocean endorsement
Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation
Two-Rod Validation
*Requirements: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Be sure to check both the permanent sportfishing regulations and for any in-season regulation updates, especially if you are fishing for salmon or steelhead as many regulations are set in-season.

ODFW hosts and supports fishing events on free fishing days:
Each year ODFW and its partners sponsor several free fishing events throughout the state. To find an event near you, and to check out other family fishing events throughout the spring and fall, visit our Take the family fishing page. This page also features everything you need to know to plan your own Free Fishing day adventures.
At each event ODFW staff and volunteers will provide equipment, and teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch. This is a great opportunity for families to learn how to fish together and spend time in the outdoors!

LOOK FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT NEAR

01/25/2026

For winter steelhead on the Middle Rogue, effective flies include Egg Sucking Leeches (black or purple), intruders, and Hoh Bo Speys, typically in sizes 2.5 to 3 inches to ensure visibility in varied water conditions. Brighter colors like pink and orange work well in off-color water, while darker tones excel in clear, low water.
Top Recommended Winter Flies
Egg Sucking Leech (Black/Purple): A staple winter pattern for the Rogue, often with a hot-orange or pink bead.
Intruders (Ostrich/General): Large, flashy patterns (e.g., in purple, black, or blue) designed for visibility in cold, murky water.
Hoh Bo Spey: A versatile, durable, and fast-sinking pattern.
MOAL Leech: A large-profile, squid-like fly.
Pink Rubber Worms: Exceptionally effective for drifting.
Key Considerations
Water Conditions: Use larger, brighter flies in high/muddy water, and switch to smaller, more muted patterns (olive, black) as the water clears.
Weight: Utilize weighted flies (e.g., coneheads) to get down to the fish in fast, cold water.
Technique: Focus on swinging flies across the current, letting them hang at the end of the drift.